Diabetes insipidus secondary to penetrating thoracic trauma.

Three cases of diabetes insipidus following non-cranial trauma are presented. They are believed to be the first of their kind reported. The etiology, pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of diabetes insipidus are discussed. The literature if briefly reviewed and similarities between patients with DI due to long bone trauma with fat embolism, post open heart surgery hypotension, Sheehan's syndrome following postpartum hemorrhage, DI and our own patients are discussed. It is concluded that the diabetes insipidus is caused by selective disruption of posterior pituitary circulation due to fat globules, thrombi and hypovolemia resulting in hypoxia and tissue necrosis.